Parent Visa
This visa is exclusively for the parent of a child already living in the UK.
The child must either:
- be under 18 on the date the parent applies for their initial visa
- have been under 18 when the parent was first granted leave on this route, and not live an independent life. A child is living an independent life if, for example, they’ve left home, got married, and had children.
One of the following must also be true about the child:
- they’re a British or Irish citizen
- they’ve settled in the UK – for example, they have indefinite leave to enter or remain, settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or proof of permanent residence
- they’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein and have pre-settled status – they must have started living in the UK before 1 January 2021
- if the parent is applying from within the UK, the child must have lived in the UK for 7 years continuously and it would not be reasonable for them to leave
The parent applying for the visa cannot be in a relationship with the child’s other parent. If they are, then they must apply for a family visa as a spouse/partner instead.
You cannot apply for this visa from within the UK if your only permission to be in the UK is as a visitor. If you do make an application from within the UK and you are either a visitor, or an overstayer (you have overstayed your permitted leave) then your application will be considered on Human Rights grounds under certain provisions within Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. If your application is approved on Human Rights grounds, you will be placed on the 10-year route to settlement, with a requirement to renew your visa every two and a half years. You can switch onto the 5-year route to settlement at any time if you meet all of the suitability and eligibility criteria. If you are already in the UK on another immigration route, you may be allowed to switch to a family settlement visa.
Holders of family settlement visas as a parent are permitted to work and study in the UK.
For more information on our Parent Visas, please get in contact where we would love to discuss how we could help you in your application.
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How long is the visa granted for?
If you apply for the visa from outside the UK, it is valid for 33 months. If you apply from within the UK, you will be granted leave for 30 months. You can apply for a 30-month extension prior to the expiration of your leave. The extension application should be made before your initial period of leave expires.
What relationship evidence does the applicant need to provide?
The applicant must have sole or shared parental responsibility for their child.
The child’s other parent must also either:
- be a British or Irish citizen
- have settled in the UK – for example, they have indefinite leave to enter or remain, settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or proof of permanent residence
- be from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and have pre-settled status – they must have started living in the UK before 1 January 2021
If the child lives with their other parent or carer, the applicant must have access to the child in person, as agreed with the other parent or carer or by a court order (you must have permission from the court to disclose the order).
The applicant must be taking an active role in the child’s upbringing and plan to continue after they apply for leave under this route.
Financial Requirement
Unlike the partner/spouse route, there is no minimum income threshold for parents, though they should have enough funds to reasonable support and accommodate themselves on arrival in the UK.
English language
You must satisfy the English language requirement be either passing an approved English language test; providing specified evidence that confirms you have a degree that was taught or researched in English; proving that you are a national of a majority English speaking country as specified in the Immigration Rules; or qualify for an exemption.
Application Process
The process for submitting an UK visa application can be quite simple considering everything is done correctly.
Difficulty arises when considering which UK visa applies to you as there are different types of visas you can apply for. Some people tend to submit the wrong visa application because they are not aware of what visa to apply for therefore leading to a refusal. At Muldoon Britton, we offer a consultation with the client, discuss the different options they have, and then advise them on what visa is best for them.
For a UK Visa there are 5 vital steps included in all applications:
Step 1: We will send you a questionnaire and supporting documents checklist for you to complete and return to us.
Step 2: Complete the correct online application form. Once this is complete we will send you a draft to review before we submit this.
Step 3: Once the online application has been submitted we will call you to book your biometric appointment at a place, date and time convenient for you.
Step 4: Prepare the supporting documents bundle for your application.
Step 5: Submit your application and bundle of documents to the relevant visa centre.
Family Visa Services
Spouse/Partner Visa
Spouse Partners Visas offer a comprehensive service for married couples looking to apply for visas to the UK.
Adult Dependent Relative Visa
The Adult Dependent Relative Visa is a visa option designed for those who wish to join their close relatives in the UK
Parent Visa
A Parent Visa is an essential product for anyone with a parent who wants to reside in the same country as their child.
Dependent Child Visa
The Dependent Child Visa is an immigration visa that allows eligible children to join and accompany another family member residing in a country.
Get in Touch
With years of experience working in UK immigration and British nationality law, our advisors can help you understand the process and take the right steps to obtain your visa. Get in touch today.